VEGETABLE CROPS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21296, 24 September 1932, Page 8 (Supplement)

VEGETABLE CROPS

NECESSITY FOR THINNING Special attention must be given to thinning vegetable crops before they becomo overcrowded and weakened. Such varieties as peas, beans and other kinds, when the seeds have been placed at even distances apart, should not, of course, require thinning. It is such crops as turnips, carrots, parsnips, beots, spinach, lettuce and similar varieties that should bo thinned as scon as the plants are large enough to handle. At this stage they ran be removed without disturbing the roots of the plants left to form the crop. By thinning at this stage and allowing sufficient space for tho plants to develop they grow and mature their crops much more quickly than when left too thickly in the rows. FREQUENT SOIL STIRRING Frequent soil stirring plays an important part in the success attained, and although this applies to crops in all stages of growth it is especially necessary for early-raised crops, when heavy rains so often batter the surface as to form a hard crust. In such condition plants cannot continue to thrive, as heat, air and moisture are essential to their well being It is by good cultivation that the plants nre> kept supplied with these elements. PREPARING FOR KUMARAS HOT BEDS FOR SETS Although too early for planting out kumaras until well into the next and following mouth, it is not too early for those wishing to raise their own sets to form a slight hot bed for raising purposes. The best metlwd of starting the tubers is to make up a hotbed of fresh stable manure. Ten or twelve inches of firmly trodden manure, will be sufficient. Upon this place three or four inches of fine, light soil, in which the tubers should be placed. A week at least should be allowed to elapse to allow the rank heat to escape before placing the tubers in the soil. 'lo avoid the risks from late frosts the safest plan is to cover the beds with a frame or other means of protection. Although much too early for planting, it is well to select the plots in which this crop is to be grown, as it may require several times turning over and working before the time of planting. For this crop the soil cannot well be in too fine and friable a condition. USE OF POTATO PLOTS In many instances the ground in which early potatoes are being grown is in excellent condition for growing this crop, as the nature of the manure required for the kujnara is very similar to the potato, phosphatic and potassic kinds being of most use. In most instances the manure used for the potato leaves sufficient food properties in the soil to grow kumaras successfully without any additional application. ASPARAGUS TIME FOR PLANTING The planting out of fresh asparagus beds or plots should no longer be delayed. Tho plants succeed best planted when they commence to throw up their young shoots. They arp now sufficiently advanced to he planted without risk, provided tho beds have been previously prepared as advised. If the beds have been prepared sft. in width, it will allow of three rows to be planted. First draw a drill four to five inches in depth down the centre of the Led wide enough to allow the roots to be spread out evenly. Arrange the plants 18in. apart, and cover with fine, rich soil. Tho two outside rows can be arranged 18in to 20in. from the centre row, planted and covered with soil the same as the centre row. Providing the plants have been lifted with tho roots intact and are kept moistened and covered until (lie plaining is completed, they will almost at once make fresh roots and become quickly established. CELERY CULTIVATION HINTS A sowing of celery, if not already done, should be mado in a shallow box or pan filled with fine, rich soil, and placed in the greenhouse or a warm frame. Failing this cover the box or pan with glass, and place in a warm situation. In tho cultivation of celery one of tho most important things is to endeavour to grow the plants with as little check as possible from tho time they aro raised until they are ready for use. As soon as the plants are raised and large enough to handle they should be pricked out into boxe3 composed of rich soil. Place the plants sufficiently far apart to allow of their being lifted with a good ball of earth attached to the roots when transplanted into the trenches. In the production of good celery, well decomposed manure is an important factor. Tn fact, well-grown crisp heads cannot be giown without the soil being made rich with ordinary manure or other decomposed vegetable matter. PLANTS FOR SALADS Plants for salad purposes will be in increasing demand, and to maintain a supply sowings of lettuce, radishes, mustard and cress should be made at short intervals. Well-grown lettuce aro always in demand, and at this time can be grown to perfection when sown or plnnted in well cultivated and richly-manured soil. To keep up a supply sowings'or plantings Isho'ild be mado every three or four weeks.